Happy Birthday to Us!
This month, we celebrate 22 years of service here on the border in Mexico! In October 1994, Deantin Guerra started this ministry to meet the physical and spiritual needs of families living on the border. Since then, Faith Ministry has been through its fair share of highs and lows, but our mission has always remained the same: create environments for people to know God by sharing and showing His love to the people around us. This year, Faith Ministry has continued to grow, and we are so excited to see what God will do next. Thanks so much to all of you for your incredible support, whether you’ve been involved here since the very beginning or just joined us this year – we truly could not do it without you!
A team from Southport Presbyterian in Indianapolis, building the first Faith Ministry house in October 1994
The Southport team, with several of the same people that came in 1994, more than 2,000 houses later, building a house this month in Reynosa
4 Weeks, 10 Houses
October is always a busy time of year for us, and we’re thrilled to have 6 teams in Reynosa this month, building a combined 10 houses! The importance of coming down to work side by side with our Mexican brothers and sisters cannot be reiterated enough. When you come with a team, you not only help by laying blocks and mixing cement; you show the families living here on the border that you care and that you love them because God loved you first. In spite of a language barrier, you forge unforgettable friendships that will last a lifetime.
If you or someone you know is interested in bringing a team down to Mexico to see what it’s all about, get in touch! Check out our mission work group schedule to find a week that works for your team, and email Colleen for more information or to reserve your team’s week!
Casas in Miguel Alemán
Our staff and volunteers in Miguel Alemán are hard at work, building 8 houses that we have funded there, thanks to your support. We are so happy to bless these families with a roof over their heads.
There are still three families waiting to be blessed with a home, and you can donate today to help! Donate online or send a check to PO Box 756, McAllen, TX 78505, payable to Faith Ministry; please write “40 Casa Challenge” in the memo.
Christmas Fiestas
For those of you who are interested in coming down to Mexico for our Christmas fiestas, here is our schedule:
Thursday, December 15: Volunteer/Family Fiesta, Reynosa (for all families and volunteers that received homes in 2016)
Friday, December 16: Staff Fiesta, Reynosa
Saturday, December 17: Kids Fiesta at Church, Reynosa
Sunday, December 18: Kids/Family Fiesta at Church, Miguel Alemán
If you would like to come for all four fiestas, plan to arrive at any time on Wednesday, December 14 and depart in the afternoon of Sunday, December 18 or on Monday, December 19.
Let us know if you’d like to come by emailing Colleen. ¡Feliz Navidad!
Prayer Requests
We believe in the power of prayer, so please join us in praying for:
- The Martinez sisters, Lupita and Martita, who many of you have met in Reynosa, were involved in an accident when the cart they drive around town was hit by a car. They are both fine, and their cart is fine, but Lupita is still recovering from her injuries. Pray for their health and their safety.
- The mother of Nurse Betty is suffering from a variety of health complications. Pray for her health and for guidance in making important medical decisions.
- Armando, a member of our church in Miguel Alemán, recently suffered a heart attack. Pray for healing and for his family during this difficult time.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
This month, Keith from Grace Community in Raleigh was reunited with his amigo Chuky for the first time in 10 years, and it was a special reminder of the significance and sacredness of the friendships formed here in Mexico. Click here to watch.